Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood admits ‘a weight has been lifted’ after BBC’s probe findings were released as he shares hopes the show ‘can move on’

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has said that a ‘weight has been lifted’ off the show after the BBC published its misconduct report into professional dancer Giovanni Pernice.

On Monday the BBC shared its findings after former contestant Amanda Abbington made numerous complaints about his behaviour.

Out of 17 allegations, the BBC upheld six, some of which are for Giovanni using swear words. The report found that his language could be ‘belittling,’ and agreed with Amanda that at times he appeared to be giving her overly negative feedback.

Craig spoke about the report’s findings during an appearance on Friday’s Lorraine, saying he hopes the show can ‘move on’ from the scandal as it celebrates its 20th Anniversary.

Asked about the atmosphere in the Strictly camp in the wake of the scandal, Craig said: ‘There is a difference. It’s like a weight has been lifted off our shoulders because it was always hanging in the air. 

‘I was just so pleased that this investigation is over because now we can move on and really celebrate our twenty years on the screen, because it is a wonderful show and it’s awful when something like this does come along…

‘So let’s move forward, let’s move on.’

Craig previously showed his support for Giovanni after he shared a statement in the wake of BBC publishing its report, commenting under his Instagram post with a heart emoji. 

It was reported on Thursday that Giovanni hasn’t given up on his hopes of returning to the Strictly stage, after he left the show to appear on Italian version Ballando Con Le Stelle.

According to The Mirror, Giovanni has not given up hope of returning to Strictly and has only signed on for one series of its European counterpart. 

A source said: ‘Giovanni has not given up on appearing on the Strictly stage. As far as he is concerned, he has been cleared and there is no reason why he couldn’t return. 

‘He has told his pals he is hoping to be back next year and is keen to speak to the BBC about it. He still feels very much part of the fold, and has a massive fan base who would no doubt welcome him back. 

‘But of course the final decision will be made by BBC bosses.’

Out of 17 allegations, the BBC upheld six, some of which are for Giovanni using swear words, with the dancer later saying he’s ‘glad’ the review has come to an end 

The BBC launched an investigation in April after Amanda Abbington made a formal complaint to them about Giovanni (pictured on the show last year)

During his Lorraine appearance, Craig also reflected on 20 years as a star of the show’s judging panel, admitting he first thought the show ‘wouldn’t have legs.’

He told Christine Lampard: ‘When we first started back in May of 2004, I thought it wouldn’t have legs at all and thought ”who is going to be interested in seeing a bunch of celebrities that can’t dance, try and dance in two weeks? No one!” but actually I was completely wrong.’

Asked who is going to surprise him the most this series, Craig answered: ‘I’m hoping that Paul [Merson] is going to surprise me… he is the backbone of this show’ before adding ‘Tasha [Ghouri] is the whole package… she is the one to beat technically’.

BBC bosses finally published their report into Giovanni’s behaviour on Monday, and it cleared him of the most serious allegations of physical aggression, but upheld verbal bullying and harassment.

Meanwhile, Giovanni said he was ‘pleased’ to be cleared of ‘threatening and abusive behaviour.’

The report also told how they had upheld six out of 17 allegations from Amanda. The report said that Giovanni – a perfectionist – ‘was swearing and using what could be described as belittling language’ which it said amounted to bullying behaviour.

The BBC apologised to the former Sherlock actress and also thanked her for coming forward to raise her grievances.

Within the report of the six-month long investigation which cost the licence fee payers upwards of £250,000, investigators found that the Italian dance star had used belittling language. On another occasion he said: ‘I’m tired of it, if you want to look s*** I don’t care.’

Amanda’s complaint that Giovanni would get frustrated with her while teaching her to dance was also upheld by the panel. However, it’s also been revealed that he told her: ‘You have such talent and you’re not using it.’

Another time he told her: ‘I don’t know how to ask you anymore,’ while another comment saw him tell her ‘it has been four days now and I don’t know what to do’, was also deemed to be wrongful behaviour.

Craig spoke about the report’s findings during an appearance on Friday’s Lorraine, saying he hopes the show can ‘move on’ from the scandal as it celebrates its 20th Anniversary

In another outburst, Giovanni, 34, said ‘f*****’ while teaching her how to do a routine.

Meanwhile, the allegation that the Sicilian born ballroom star had also given negative feedback was upheld, one example of which was him throwing his arms in the air and saying ‘f***.’ As a result, Giovanni was told by the BBC that he didn’t adapt enough to Amanda’s needs.

Of the two complaints which were upheld of a sexual nature, one saw Mr Pernice grab his crotch and utter a lewd remark. 

He also told his dance partner that he ‘wanted to f***’ her. That comment came after Amanda had pulled off a great move in the training studio and Giovanni was thrilled.

Despite many of Amanda’s serious allegations being thrown out by the BBC, they did say sorry to her. In a statement released on Monday, they said: ‘The BBC has now concluded its review into the complaints made by Amanda Abbington against Giovanni Pernice.

‘We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made. We want to apologise to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part.

‘We know this would not have been an easy thing to do.’

In response, Amanda said: ‘As the BBC has indicated today in its statement, my decision to come forward and complain about Giovanni Pernice’s conduct towards me was not an easy thing to do.

‘In the days, weeks and months since I contacted the BBC, I’ve been accused of being a liar, a troublemaker and of being ‘mad and unstable.’

The BBC launched an investigation in April after Amanda made a formal complaint to them about Giovanni.

Speaking of the review coming to an end, Giovanni told the Mail: ‘I’m glad the review has finally come to an end. I’m relieved that the allegations that I was threatening and abusive were found not to be true.

‘It has been an extremely difficult year, reading story after story and not being able to say anything in return as I respected the integrity of the review, which the BBC asked everyone to do.

‘I loved my time on Strictly and made some amazing memories. But now I am fully focused on Dancing With The Stars in Italy and supporting my dance partner Bianca.

‘I’m grateful to all those who have supported me at this time – I really don’t know how I would have got through this without the love and belief of my family, friends, colleagues and fans.’